How do you spark your creativity when beginning a new piece of creative writing, especially if inspiration is lacking?

Most of my creativity often comes from chats with my clients. More often than not, they bring some kind of idea, or genre, or character to the table. My initial reaction to that material is usually where the creativity comes from. What interesting situation could I put that character in? What would be an interesting twist on that genre? How could I take that idea and sprinkle some of my own style onto it? Of course, sometimes I do hit the infamous wall but I find that the planning stage helps. Bullet point the very basics of your story in order. You will often find that this process of actually jotting stuff down sparks you to fill in the blanks.

As an admissions editor, I often meet applicants who struggle to find something original in their story. They assume that their story couldn't possibly be unique. I've edited tens of thousands of application essays over the last 18 years, and I still receive essays almost every day that surprise and thrill me. So, the most important thing to know is that your story is unique, and that you have something valuable to add. Begin with the facts of the story - who, what, when, where, why - and then tell me how the experience changed you. If that doesn't work, try talking to a close friend and having them type (or use speech-to-text software) just to get your ideas down on the page. You'll realize you have so much to say - and write! 

When you start to write something, there is an event behind it that sparked the basic concept in the first place (this is not applicable to AI of course). This can be something small you saw or heard: a tiny spark that started the process of creative thinking. So, if you find yourself lacking the inspiration to start writing, simply go back to what made you think of the concept in the first place. It can be a day out in nature, a cup of tea on a rainy day, reading the news, or listening to a piece of music. Try to recreate the scenario and the creative spark will follow.

If you’re trying to write something without any kind of spark, then you need to find a spark first. Otherwise, you’ll just be staring at a blank page, racking your brain for nothing. If this is the case, it would be good to indulge in some activities that inspire you. You can watch some good movies, read books that you enjoy, listen to music, talk to people who inspire you, etc. Doing these things with an open mind will generate creative sparks with the potential to become a good piece of writing (this is also applicable if you're a ghostwriter creating a story based on a client's idea- in this case, the spark comes from someone else but once we talk to the client, identify their inspiration, and do some research, the creative process follows naturally).

When inspiration hits, I start jotting down those ideas before they disappear (sometimes they’re just fleeting thoughts; they’re there one second and gone the next). This is why I often make notes on my phone in the most unlikely places. But it’s worth it to preserve that spark until I need it. I’ve received inspiration from so many different sources that they’re difficult to categorize. Even now, I have many different concepts saved in my notes, just waiting for their chance to get on paper. And then, when I have some free time, I try to develop those little ideas into a complete outline. I’ve found that this works wonders.

If you have begun the writing, then there was something that sparked your interest in the first place: maybe a title you want to use, maybe an incident, maybe an interesting character. Use that spark, fan it, and let it grow. Play mind games with it—create some connections, some possible incidents, some obstacles/tension. Consider some "what ifs", some "if this, then that". If you are on the front end and want to start something but no idea what yet, look around you and observe. Watch news, talk to people, tour some out-of-the-way places. Make note of anything you find unique or interesting, especially if it has an uncommon side to it. If you want to write more than one book, always (ALWAYS) be on the lookout for something that makes you say "wow," or makes you wonder how that happened. Save those thoughts even if they don't match your current WIP.  These tips are for fiction writers. But probably the first thing you need to decide on is "Who is your target audience?" That will determine the depth and sophistication of your plot, your dialogue, the tone, and most every element in the manuscript.

Spend some time with some media that you love, media that will inspire you for the kind of story you're looking to write. When I'm working on a project, I make lists of movies, comics, songs, visual art pieces, anything that has the vibe of what I'm writing. And when I feel that spark start to flicker, I go back to that list and spend some time refocusing on what inspired me. It helps to keep me in the zone.

I'm never lacking in creativity. I LOVE embracing a new story and trying to figure out all the pieces—like a puzzle—understanding new characters, exploring new places, and all the little nuances to the plot that make every story unique and special, especially to my clients. No one has ever given me an idea like writing a story about some guy riding a tricycle through Los Angeles... whatever you want is cool -- no! Stories are personal, deep-- affecting. I'm so grateful that I've had so many clients that have allowed me to take command of their ideas and make them into something they can enjoy for years to come. I will never tire of the adventure.

In the old days, I might have relied on 'chemical assistance' for some additional inspiration. Tea, for example.

These days, there's no lack of inspiration that would require such measures. I have far too much to write, and far too little time to write it. I haven't had writer's block in over a decade.

I think that consuming a lot of artistic creativity in my down time helps. I listen to music that pushes my boundaries. I watch shows that very few people have reviewed. I play games that might have been forgotton. By broadening my horizons in my down time, I can approach my next project with an open mind and a reinvigorated soul.

The truth is, sometimes you just have to sit there and write something - anything! There's nothing scarier than a blank screen, and you will go back and rewrite it anyway. By writing something you will get the ball rolling and build momentum. Sometimes, if I'm really stuck, I'll write some dialogue between the characters without worrying about the needs of the story. Not to get too too 'woo-woo' about it, but they'll often tell me what it is they want. 

Also, it's worth remembering that inspiration can strike at any time, so just living your life - doing things that you enjoy - is a valid part of the writing process. Yes, being blocked can be frustrating, but writing isn't meant to be easy. For me, the toughest part is always the beginning. Once I'm underway - even if my first draft is terrible (they always are, and I will rewrite and rewrite before ever submitting a script to a client) - it feels like flying.